Starting with the Newport, Keen Footwear has created a company built on hybrid innovation, redefining the outdoors and - as demonstrated by their new Keen Recess Initiative - giving back to the community. Today, KEEN makes a broad selection of shoes for men, women and kids Hybrid Footwear that goes from coastline to ridgeline and everywhere in between. A prime example from the KEEN lineup: The Targhee II.
The Gumption Gear Crew has the good fortune of taking a look at these adventure shoes, part of the KEEN "Trailhead" line-up.
Right out of the box theTarghee II hiker from KEEN will strike you as a multi-purpose utility vehicle ready and willing to take you on any recess adventure you have planned. These stylish hikers come with the following features:
- 4mm multi directional lugs- Dual-density compression molded EVA midsole
- KEEN.DRY™ waterproof breathable membrane
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Patented toe protection
- Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
- S3 Heel support structure
- Torsion stability ESS shank
- Waterproof nubuck upper
On our first few initial wears there's no doubt the shoes flexible nylon mesh uppers offer ample durability, flexibility and breathability for comfort on the go. Despite the generous toe-box, the Targhee II's do seem to run about 1/2 small. That being said, KEEN has done a quality job of meshing their unique stylings with the functional uses for which the shoe is designed. The Targhee II is stylish enough to trek around town, yet tough enough to scramble granite boulders or cross that sketchy creek crossing and deliver you safely to the other side.
The Secure-Fit Lace Capture System provides easy control over the tightness of your laces providing for a secure fit and the anatatomical EVA footbeds provide ample cushioning with solid arch support.
Over the next several weeks we'll be reviewing the the Targhee II to see if it has the 'gumption' needed for your outdoor adventures. We will be testing the long term fit and comfort of the shoe while also taking a close look at the durability of the shoe from the top of the KEEN.DRY membrane to the rugged rubber outsole.
I purchased a pair of Targhee II shoes and have worn them on 45 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah, a 3 mile hike in the Grand Canyon and a lot of trekking in Yellowstone National Park. I have been impressed with their comfort and durability.
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